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Instructions for Filing a Foreign Judgment

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILING A FOREIGN JUDGMENT

These standard instructions are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice about your case. If you choose to represent yourself, you are bound by the same rules and procedures as an attorney.

GENERAL INFORMATION

◆ This information provides a guide to the process and forms necessary to file a foreign judgment in Colorado.

◆ The documents must be filed in the county who would have had jurisdiction over the action if it was originally filed in Colorado.

◆ Once a foreign judgment is filed, it will have the same effect and is subject to the same procedures, defenses, and proceedings for reopening, vacating, enforcing, satisfying, or staying as a judgment entered in Colorado.

◆ The filing party must provide the court with an exemplified/authenticated copy of the judgment.

◆ No execution or other process for enforcement of a foreign judgment shall issue until ten days after the date the judgment is filed.

◆ For additional information, please review §13-53-102 - §13-53-107, of the Colorado Revised Statutes.

◆ If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to access the courts, please contact your local ADA Coordinator. Contact information can be obtained from the following website:

http://www.courts.state.co.us/Administration/HR/ADA/Coordinator_List.cfm

COMMON TERMS

✓ Plaintiff(s): The person(s) or business identified in the original action.

✓ Defendant(s): The person(s) or business identified in the original action.

✓ Foreign Judgment: Any judgment, decree, or order of a court of the United States or of any other courts, except a protection order as described in §13-14-104, C.R.S. that is entitled to full faith and credit in Colorado.

✓ Exemplified Copy: Copy of a court document with court seals from the out-of-state Court verifying the authenticity of the document(s).

✓ Hearing Date: The date that the Plaintiff and Defendant must appear in Court.

✓ May: In legal terms, “may” is defined as “optional” or “can”.

✓ Shall: In legal terms, “shall” is defined as “required”.

If you do not understand this information, please contact an attorney.

FEES

A filing fee of $201.00 is required. If you are unable to pay the filing fee, you must complete the Motion to File without Payment and Supporting Financial Affidavit (JDF 205) and submit to the Court. Once you submit the completed JDF 205 form and a blank Order (JDF 206), the Court will decide whether you need to pay the response fee.

Other fees that a party to the case may encounter are as follows:

Copies of Documents (Documents on File) $ .75 per page or $1.50 if double-sided

Copies of Documents (Documents not on File) $ .25 per page or $.50 if double-sided

Service of Process Fees Varies (Payable to Process Server)

Certification of Documents $20.00

Writ of Garnishment $45.00

Transcript of Judgment $25.00

Issuing and Docketing an Execution $45.00

Satisfaction of Judgment $20.00

FORMS

To access a form online go to www.courts.state.co.us and click on the “Forms” tab. The packet/forms are available in PDF and WORD by selecting “District Civil – Foreign Judgment” or “County Civil – Foreign Judgment”.

JDF 138 Judgment Creditor Affidavit in Support of Foreign Judgment

JDF 139 Notice of Filing of Foreign Judgment

STEPS TO FILING YOUR CASE

Step 1:

Obtain exemplified copies of all judgment orders in the case you wish to file in Colorado.

This includes all court orders and judgments issued by another Court. Keep a copy of all documents for your own records and make a copy to provide to the other party. An exemplified copy of a document/record may have a cover page with two or three court seals stating that the document/record is a true and correct copy.

Step 2:

Complete Appropriate Forms.

You must identify yourself in the same manner that you are identified in the out-of-state case i.e. (Plaintiff or Defendant). It is important to remember that your role in the case does not change based on who files the foreign judgment. The caption illustrated below needs to be completed on all forms filed with the court. Check with your local district for additional filing requirements. Keep a copy of each form for your own records and make a copy to provide to the other party.

County Court District Court

County, Colorado

Court Address:

Plaintiff(s):

v.

Defendant(s):

Attorney or Party Without Attorney (Name and Address):

Phone Number: E-mail:

FAX Number: Atty. Reg. #:

COURT USE ONLY

Case Number:

Division Courtroom

NAME OF FORM

Judgment Creditor Affidavit in Support of Foreign Judgment (JDF 138)

Please complete all sections of this form.

Attach authenticated/certified copies of all judgment orders from the out-of-state originating court.

Notice of Filing of Foreign Judgment (JDF 139)

Complete all sections of this form.

The Judgment Creditor or Judgment Creditor’s Attorney can mail the notice to the Judgment Debtor or the Court Clerk Court will mail the Notice.

If the Court mails the Notice, make sure you provide extra copies of the Notice and Affidavit along with pre-addressed/stamped envelopes to send to the Judgment Debtor.

If the Judgment Creditor or Judgment Creditor’s Attorney mails the Notice, complete the Certificate of Mailing indicating to the Court when the mailing was completed.

Step 3:

You are Ready to File your Case with the Court.

Pay the filing fee of $201.00

The clerk shall mail notice of the filing foreign judgment to the Judgment Debtor at the address provided to the Court.

COURT REVIEW

The Court will review the documents. If an objection is filed, the Court may require a hearing to determine whether the judgment should be registered. Once a foreign judgment is entered, the Colorado Court has the ability to reopen, vacate, enforce, stay or satisfy the judgment.

Additional collection information entitled “Instructions for Collecting a Judgment and Completing a Writ of Garnishment” (JDF 82) is available on the state judicial website, www.courts.state.co.us. Select the “Forms” tab, then select County Civil or District Civil and then select Garnishments.

Signature:

Printed Name:

Date:

Title/Role:

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What these instructions cover

These Instructions for Filing a Foreign Judgment explain the process used to register and enforce a judgment entered by a court in another U.S. state or a foreign country so it becomes enforceable locally. The guide covers what to file with the local court clerk, required supporting documents such as a certified judgment transcript or exemplified copy, typical notice and service steps, and how domestic rules (for example, the Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act or similar state statutes) affect timing and remedies. Use these instructions as a practical roadmap for domestication and enforcement actions.

Why correct filing matters for enforcement

Accurate domestication makes a foreign judgment enforceable locally, preserves remedies like wage garnishment or liens, and reduces the chance of dismissal or delay.

Why correct filing matters for enforcement

Who typically prepares and files these instructions

These Instructions for Filing a Foreign Judgment are used by judgment creditors and their representatives to convert an out-of-jurisdiction judgment into an enforceable local judgment.

  • Judgment creditors and their counsel preparing domestication filings and evidence of the foreign judgment.
  • Collection agencies or judgment enforcement professionals arranging service and execution steps after registration.
  • Court clerks and staff who docket, review, and provide filing instructions to the submitting party.

Attorneys, collection agents, and court clerks also rely on this guidance to ensure filings meet local docketing and notice requirements.

Primary filers and signatories

Judgment Creditor

Often an individual, corporation, or their attorney. Responsible for preparing the certified judgment, filing with the clerk, arranging service on the debtor, and pursuing enforcement such as garnishment or levy when permitted.

Authorized Representative

This may be an attorney or a licensed process server with authority to sign filing affidavits and complete service proofs. The representative must follow state rules on who may file or sign domestication paperwork.

Information and documents you must include

Case Caption: Full party names as shown on the foreign judgment.
Judgment Date: Date the foreign court entered the judgment.
Court Name: Issuing court and jurisdiction.
Certified Copy: Exemplified or certified transcript of the judgment.
Statement of Amount: Principal, interest, and post-judgment costs itemized.
Proof of Service: Affidavit or certificate showing debtor notice.

Step-by-step filing overview

Follow this sequence to domesticate and begin enforcement of a foreign judgment in most U.S. jurisdictions.

  • 01
    Prepare Transcript: Obtain an exemplified or certified judgment copy.
  • 02
    Complete Forms: Fill the local registration or domestication form accurately.
  • 03
    File With Clerk: Submit documents and pay required filing fee.
  • 04
    Serve Debtor: Provide required notice or proof of service per local rules.

Setting up an online filing workflow

Configure digital steps to prepare, sign, and deliver domestication documents using an e-filing or eSignature-enabled workflow.

Field Configuration
Upload Document PDF/A certified copy, high-resolution scan
Place Fields Signature, date, text and checkbox fields
Signer Authentication Email plus SMS or ID verification
Submission Export signed PDF and file with clerk

Where and how to submit filings

Domesticating a foreign judgment typically requires docketing at the local superior or circuit court where enforcement is sought; steps vary by county clerk and state.

  • County Clerk: File the domestication petition and certified judgment with the appropriate clerk's office.
  • Court Clerk Review: Clerk checks for certified copy, filing fee, and required affidavits.
  • Service to Debtor: Serve the registered judgment per local civil procedure rules.
  • Enforcement Actions: Once docketed, pursue garnishment, levy, or lien remedies as allowed.

eSignature vendor pricing snapshot

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HIPAA Compliant Yes (BAA required) Yes Yes No No

Timing and common deadlines to monitor

Key timing items include service deadlines, objection windows, and statute of limitations considerations; confirm local civil procedure rules.

Filing Window:

No universal deadline; check whether the foreign judgment is still within enforcement period.

Service Timing:

Local rules govern how and when the debtor must be served after registration.

Objection Period:

States often allow a period for debtor challenges after notice — duration varies.

Execution Steps:

Once docketed, obtain writs or garnishment orders per local procedures.

Interest Calculation:

Interest accrues per judgment terms or state law; document the effective start date.

Key milestones from transcript to enforcement

A typical milestone sequence shows preparation, filing, notice, and actionable enforcement steps in order.

01

Prepare Transcript

Obtain and certify the foreign judgment and compile supporting docket entries.

02

File Registration

Submit domestication paperwork and pay the filing fee to the local clerk.

03

Serve Notice

Provide required notice or proof of service to the debtor as required locally.

04

Enforce Judgment

Request writs, garnishment, or lien remedies once the judgment is docketed.

Practical tips for accurate and efficient filing

Follow these best practices to reduce rejections, speed processing, and preserve enforcement options.

Verify Document Type and Certification
Confirm whether your jurisdiction requires an exemplified judgment, an authenticated transcript, or a certified copy and obtain the correct form from the issuing court.
Match Names Precisely
Use the exact names and styling on the foreign judgment. Inconsistent names can cause identity disputes and delay domestication.
Include Complete Itemization
Provide an itemized statement of principal, interest, and costs so clerks and opposing parties can verify amounts and avoid recalculation disputes.
Check Local Clerk Rules
Confirm county-level filing practices such as page limits, required cover sheets, and accepted payment methods prior to submission.

Consequences of incorrect or incomplete filings

Dismissal Risk: Case may be rejected for lack of certification or improper service.
Delay Costs: Extra filings and motions increase legal and administrative costs.
Lost Remedies: Failure to register timely can impair garnishment or lien options.
Interest Disputes: Incorrect calculations may forfeit claimed post-judgment interest.
Service Challenges: Improper service can lead to default vacatur or re-service requirements.
Recordkeeping Exposure: Insufficient retention may impair audit or collection actions.

Real-world examples of electronic workflows

Organizations use eSignature and digital document workflows to assemble and file domestication packages efficiently.

Optica Ventures LLC

A mid-size creditor centralized its filing package creation to reduce steps.

  • The team bundled certified transcripts and service affidavits.
  • The result improved consistency across filings and reduced clerk follow-ups while enabling timely enforcement efforts.

Martin Properties

A real estate firm digitized judgment domestication for tenant debt collection.

  • They used consistent templates for itemized amounts.
  • That approach reduced errors, shortened time to enforcement, and simplified record retention across multiple counties.

Digital signing and technical considerations

Use eSignature platforms that support PDF signing, audit trails, and secure storage when preparing domestication documents.

  • Required Formats: PDF, Word DOCX
  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace
  • Authentication Options: Email, SMS, ID verification

Frequently asked questions

Answers to common procedural and technical questions about filing a foreign judgment and handling frequent issues encountered during domestication.


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